2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB: Specs, Design, Price

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB is a new member of the brand’s
ever-growing SUV family. The new
Mercedes SUV slots between subcompact GLA and compact GLC models and comes with
the option of carrying seven passengers. The boxy shape provides plenty of the
interior functionality and Mercedes’ latest infotainment tech is present inside
the cabin as well as premium materials and nice textures. The newest safety
equipment is also available.

The Mercedes GLB is based on the car-like platform and suspension and should provide a comfortable ride with the limited off-road capability. In the US, the model will debut with the single turbocharged engine while there will be more power options on the OLD Continent. Mercedes hasn’t disclosed the full equipment configuration yet as well as the price and fuel economy.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB: Design

The styling of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB is an amalgamation
of the boxy body and brand’s newest design language. The front side has
GLS-Class-like grille and headlights and there is also the front bumper with
sports-like air openings.

The profile of the model is defined with the flat roofline,
small overhangs and protected fender flares like on the off-road oriented
models. The rear gets modern-looking taillights and sleek bumper while the
contours of the rear glass give it strange silhouette when seen front the
rear.

The Mercedes GLC is based on the MFA2 platform like the CLA
sedan and GLA SUV. The model stretches 182 inches in lengths which makes it
just slightly shorter than the Mercedes GLC and opens the room for the third
seat row. The width is 72 inches.

Interior, Equipment:

The Mercedes GLB is highly flexible inside the cabin and it
can transport up to seven passengers. The second row is moveable forward and
rearward while the third row consists of two seats divided by the cupholders.
With seats for seven employed, the model will have 26 cubic feet of the cargo
space. When the third row is out, the cargo room expands to 62 cubic feet. When
the second row is also removed there will be an additional 26 cubic feet of
space.

The design of the interior is similar to that of the A-Class
sedan which is also based on the same platform. The GLB comes with the MBUX infotainment
system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto support. The system can be controlled in multiple ways
by taping on the screen, hand gestures, touch-pad control on the center console
or Siri-like command. The twin-display setup comes with either 7.0- or
10.3-inches units depending on the model.

The new Mercedes GLB will, of course, employ high-quality
materials combining them with nice textures and contrasting pieces.

The model will also use modern safety systems for the safety of passengers. The model will include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, etc.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB: Powertrains

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB should be well-controlled on the
road thanks to the car-like platform and suspension. Electric power steering
combined with all independent suspension will be standard and buyers can opt
for the adaptive dampers to calm the ride further.

The power for the model will provide a 2.0-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The engine will make 221 horsepower and
torque of 258 pound-feet. The model will come with the 8-speed automatic
transmission and standard all-wheel drive system. There will be a standard
off-road selectable mode which can split torque between the front and rear
wheels in 50/50 ratio.

Outside the US the Mercedes GLB will be available with more
powering options. There will be diesel units available. Mercedes should,
however, add the AMG-branded version with 400+ horsepower at disposal combined
with sport-tuned chassis and suspension. Further down the road, the plug-in
hybrid version should appear as well as the all-electric GLB.

Mercedes hasn’t yet talked about the fuel economy of the
model.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB: Release, Price

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB will be produced in Benz’s
factory in Mexico. The model should go on sale by the end of the year. No word
from Mercedes about the price of the new SUV in the lineup. The price will be
known closer to the on-sale date. Expect the starting point in the
high-$30,000s.

The model should be an alternative to the soft-roaders like
the Audi Q3, Lexus NX, and BMW X1 among others.